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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



POEMS OF LOVE AND HOME 




WILLIAM WENDELL RILEY 



POEMS of LOVE and HOME 



BY 

William Wendell Riley 



I 



Los Angeles, California 

Commercial Printing House 

mcmvi 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Cocies Received 

OhC 3 i906 

. Copyright Entry 
Vw./cT f<J6 I 
CLASS >\ XXc, No. 



copy b: 






y^// rights reserved by the Author 

COPYRIGHTED 



Copyright 1908 by 
W. W. RJLEY 



t 



To My Wife 



CONTENTS 

POEMS OF LOVE AND HOME page 

Proem 11 

Whither Sailing? 15 

The Irish-American 17 

My Old Friend Ben 18 

Strike Hands With Jesus 23 

Only a Wish 25 

Unity 26 

Biggest Time 27 

Friendship— Lost and Found 28 

My Mother's Call .30 

Were I a Little Butterfly 31 

June 33 

A Tribute To The C. E. Society 35 

Sorrows Sweep My Soul .38 

Evening Prayer 39 

The American Way 41 

To Mother 42 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Honeysuckle— Memories 44 

The Widow by the Sea 46 

Wavin' Hands . 48 

Missions 49 

A California Desert 53 

A California Home 54 

How Long? 55 

A Vacation in Wisconsin 58 

Try and Trust . 60 

Drei Deicher Boys 61 

Going Away— Coming Home 63 

A Mother's Grave 64 

Family Luxuries 66 

The Country Side— 

On Earth 67 

In Heaven 69 

John Shank's Nightmare 71 

A Proof 73 

The Clock Strikes Twelve 74 

Man's Kinship 77 

Shall We Toil in Heaven 1 78 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Me and Mary Ann, Visitin' 80 

Silence of the Canyon 89 

Good By Devona 90 

The Bullion State 92 

What Is Life? 96 

Mine Leetle Boy 98 

A Golden Wedding 100 

"IAmTheWay" 103 

The Future 104 

Peace 107 

Love and Hope 108 

A Moonlight Meditation 109 

THANKSGrVIN' 110 

Do I Like Work? 113 

"Foolishness of Preaching" 114 

Old Ocean 115 

Star of Bethlehem 117 

An Estimate 118 

A Resolution 121 

My S weetheart 's Bouquet 122 

Let There Be Light 123 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Lively Stock 124 

The Old Home 126 

Song of Faith 128 

Christmas Day 129 

A California Newcomer 130 

Life Continued 132 

I Am Tired 133 

A June Visit 135 

Dedicated to Kern River Oil Men .... 137 

An Angel's Kiss 140 

Will You Miss Me? 141 

God's Soldiers 144 

Thoughts of God 145 

'We Part to Meet Again 147 

Wind, Earthquake, Fire, Voice .... 148 

Two Lovers 152 

Beauties of the Grand Canyon .... 153 

The Veteran Christian 156 



POEMS OF LOVE AND HOME 



PROEM 

SONG OF LOVE 

Sing to me the songs of love, 
Like the cooings of the Dove; 
Sing them softly, sing them low, 
Songs we sung, long, long ago 
As we strolled by trickling streams 
Loitering on, where silvery gleams 
Of the full moon's somber light, 
Shines down thru the trees at night. 
hi these shadows lovers met, 
When the grass with dew was wet, 
Then strolled on beneath the stars, 
Down the path, thru pasture bars, 
On, and on, beneath the stars, 
On, beyond the pasture bars; 
Whispering words of home and love, 
Like the cooings of the dove! 
11 



SONG OF LOVE 

Years have passed. They wander still 
Down beside the crumbling mill, 
In the full moon's somber light, 
When the dew is sparkling bright. 
Three bright children coyly sleep, 
Safe at home, while moon beams peep, 
Thru the windows of their room, 
In the lovliness of June! 

They stroll on, beneath the stars, 
On beyond the pasture bars, 
Whispering words of home and love, 
Like the cooings of the dove. 



12 



PROEM 



SONG OF HOME 



Sing to me the songs of home, 
Where the bees so softly droned 
'Mong the crimson clover bloom, 
Gathering nectar-sweets in June; 
Where I've loitered many hours, 
Lazily among the flowers; 
Or just wallowed in the sun 
When my tasks had all been done! 

Then the earth was fresh and new, 
Under heaven's azure blue; 
Sparkling diamonds, in the dew, 
Falling dews, for me and you; 
Where the songster, lady Thrush, 
Sat alone in my rose bush, 
Just contented in the sun, 
Singing love songs, one by one! 
13 



SONG OP HOME 

And the rambo apple tree 

Handed down its fruit to me. 

Then this world was full of joy 

For a sun-tanned little boy. 

And God's heavens bent o'er that home, 

Where the bees so softly droned, 

In a unique sort of way, 

And our hearts were glad each day! 

Sing to me the songs of home, 

Where the bees so softly droned, 

Gathering nectar-sweets in June 

From the crimson clover bloom. 



14 



WHITHER SAILING? 

We are sailing, we are sailing, 

On the ocean wide, 
Sailing onward, sailing onward, 

Sailing with the tide. 
Are we sailing, onward sailing 

Toward a land of rest? 
Are we sailing, sailing, sailing 

Toward a haven blest? 

Aged sailors, wise old sailors, 

All ye sailors brave, 
Ever sailing, ever sailing, 

On the ocean wave, 
Can you tell us where we're sailing 

On the ocean wide? 
Are we sailing, sailing, sailing 

Toward the other side? 
15 



WHITHER SAILING? 

Other vessels sail the ocean 
Sailing, sailing on. 

Vessels meeting, strangers greeting, 
But they soon are gone. 

Sailing, meeting, greeting, parting- 
Such is life each day. 

Meeting, greeting, parting, sailing- 
Sailing far away. 

Shall we anchor in some harbor 

When life's voyage is done, 
Where no turbid billows toss us 

And no tempests come? 
Where true sailors of the ages, 

Shall forever rest? 
Are we sailing, sailing, sailing 

Toward that haven blest? 



16 



THE IRISH AMERICAN 

I was born in the Emerald Isle, 

But this land uv the free will beguile 

A poor Irishman's heart; 

It will give him a start, 
To live in American style. 

Begorry this country's all right. 

You kin always hev peace er a fight, 
You kin hev what you want, 
You're a fool ef you don't. 

New Erin is clean out uv sight. 

Begorry my Bridgett shall come, 
Here we will build us a home, 

We will feather our nest 

In this land uv the west 
Just like all the ithers hev done. 



IT 



MY OLD FRIEND BEN 

I'd ruther see my old time friend 
Of school boy days— we called him Ben- 
And talk and laugh as we used to do 
When one er t'other was feelin' blue, 
Than any one who breathes the air, 
And tramps the earth round anywhere. 
Old Ben was true, clean thru and thru. 
He was allers dividin' up with you, 
Fearin' you wouldn't git yer share 
Of all the joys earth had to spare. 

When some hard problem was my lot 
In Rithmetic er some sich rot, 
I'd ask old Ben; 'twas him I'd choose 
To help me out. Did he refuse % 
Never. Why he'd suffer a year 
Before he'd wring a single tear 
From any eye. He'd set right down, 
And do that problem up in brown. 
18 



MY OLD FRIEND BEN 

He'd allers act in such a way 
You'd ask again another day 
If you wanted to; fur he was glad 
To be a help to any lad. 

When all the young folks livin' 'round 

Wanted a singin' in the town, 

Ben would lead in a sweet love song 

Er an old Church hymn, a half mile long. 

Sometimes he'd race with girls and boys, 

Sometimes play doll, buy Christmas toys 

To please the folks. The old and the young 

Felt right at home, enjoyed the fun. 

Sometimes we youngsters wanted fun 
Like a kissin' party, er somethun 
Of the kind. Why, Ben was the man 
To git it up. 'Twould beat the band 
How we enjoyed them old school days; 
"Snap and ketch em" was the poplar play. 
As well as I kin now describe, 
This play was on the followin' wise: 
19 



MY OLD FRIEND BEN 

A boy would "snap" some purty girl. 
He 'd dash away and run and whirl, 
And she right at his heels. Around 
The room they'd fly. Did joy abound? 
They'd run, the two, 'till he was caught. 
A kiss was next. 'Twas sometimes fraught 
With danger to them both. But oft 
The girl would let him press her soft 
Cheek with a kiss. Sometimes 'twas best 
To hold her in his arms and rest, 
So out of breath you know ! Glory ! 
But I must go on with my story. 

Ben went to church. He led in prayer 
With quite a ministerial air 
And said fine words and comforted 
The orphan, like a father would ; 
Encouraged all with a life of cheer 
And helped the Lord to answer prayer. 
He often said, and lived it too, 
Just like a Christian ought to do: 



20 



MY OLD FRIEND BEN. 

"Our faith is silver. Hope is gold. 
They richen men in heart and soul ; 
But love 's the key of heaven 's door, 
Fur all the worthy, rich and poor; 
If one shall live them day by day, 
And cast his selfish self away, 
These graces three, that God has given, 
Will lead that wayward one to heaven." 

Alas! he went his chosen way, 

And I went mine. 'Tis a solemn day 

When friends must say, "Farewell my friend," 

"Good bye my Bill," "Good bye my Ben." 

He took a wife and so did I. 

He prospered well and climbed up high. 

He has the gold, and children four, 

And lands and farms. And more and more 

The Lord piles up his gathered store 

While I remain among the poor. 

But should I need a good true friend, 
I 'd find none better than old Ben. 



21 



MY OLD FRIEND BEN 

He'd comfort as he used to do 
When one er 'tother was feelin' blue. 
He'd help me solve life's 'rithmetic, 
Just where a poor man's sure to stick. 
If he has prospered more than me 
In gettin' wealth, why, I am free 
To say he 's deservin ' all he owns 
In city lands and country homes. 

I 've traveled 'round this old world some, 
I've seen some men, and nary one 
Is better 'n Ben. In all the earth 
Few equal him in genuine worth. 
Of all the good words said of Ben 
They'll never be too good fur him. 
The wonder is : One mortal man 
Could all embrace God's noblest plan. 



22 



STRIKE HANDS WITH JESUS 

Have you fallen in sin, 

On life's rugged road? 
Give Jesus your burden, 

He will carry your load. 
He will scatter the fogs, 

That make heaven obscure. 
Just strike hands with Jesus, 

He will help you endure. 

When homesick and heartsick. 

In need of a friend, 
Remember that Jesus 

Will love to the end. 
Earth friends may forsake you 

And leave your heart sore, 
Just strike hands with Jesus, 

Your friend evermore. 
23 



STRIKE HANDS WITH JESUS 

Get right with your Savior, 

Oh, give him your heart. 
Your work must be finished, 

Ere you shall depart. 
When death has been conquered, 

And troubles are o'er, 
We'll strike hands with Jesus, 

On heaven's bright shore! 



24 



ONLY A WISH 

I strolled thru the field 

I tilled long' ago, 
When I was a lad 

With Harvey and Joe. 
Since I followed the plow 

And turned the rich soil, 
And grew golden grain, 

By patience and toil; 
The world has been changed, 

And time has changed me ; 
I 've seen the great sights 

On land and on sea. 
But the halcyon days, 

I long for them now! 
Down on the old farm, 

Just following the plow. 



25 



UNITY 

Let none presume because of creeds, 

His church shall live thru coming years. 

No church shall live, but by the deeds 
Done for the race, now bathed in tears. 

May party names no more be heard 
Among the ransomed of our King. 

For Jesus claims us in His Word, 

And to His name may Christians cling. 

One name, one Book, one Shepherd dear, 
One faith, one fold, one God to love, 

One cross to bear, while we journey here, 
One crown to wear, in heaven above. 



26 



BIGGEST TIME 

Some men seek pleasure in the pipe, 
Some love to tell a riddle; 

Some hev great sport a shootin' snipe, 
Fur fun, some play the fiddle; 

But the biggest time Oi iver had, 
VVuz sparkin' uv me Sarry, 

A-settin' up the hull night thru, 
Decidin' when we'd marry! 



27 



FRIENDSHIP-LOST AND FOUND 

YOUTH 

The happy days of youth 's glad time, 

Are passed fore'er away, 
The "red school house" is trumbling down, 

Where he with others played. 
Glad boys and girls who gathered there, 

Were all his early friends. 
' ' Where are they now 1 " his heart cries out. 

They're gone; they're lost to him. 

MANHOOD 

Where are the hosts of brawny men, 

And maidens in their bloom, 
Whose hands he clasped in friendship's grasp, 

Before his sun touched noon? 
They all have gone the ways of men, 

And left a lonely friend, 
Whose heart for them cries out in vain. 

They 're gone ; they 're lost to him. 
28 . 



FRIENDSHIP— LOST AND FOUND 
AGE 

An aged man sits by the fire, 

And ponders o'er past days, 
And in the passing of the years, 

His mind is in a haze 
To know where all the hosts have gone, 

That used to call him friend ; 
Your heart and mine know this full well 

They're gone; they're lost to him. 

HEAVEN. 

This noble man made christian friends. 

In passing thru earth scenes. 
Among the brightest crowns of heaven, 

His crown will ever gleam. 
He mingles with the white-robed throng, 

And many a long lost friend 
Is his, indeed, forevermore. 

They're found in heaven by him. 



29 



MY MOTHER'S CALL 

Oh the good old days are gone ; 

I am standing here alone— 
A lone and weary traveler in the land— 

And I think of the old swing, 

Orchard, brook, and everything 
That clustered 'round my childhood home so grand. 

How we climbed the cherry trees, 

How we scaled the apple trees, 
And we knew the berry patches far and near ; 

The persimmons and pawpaws, 

Hazelnuts and grapes and haws, 
All paid their tribute to the boys without a care. 

I remember every spot, 

Blooming with "forget-me-nots"— 
The flower that's like the sky, or summer's sea— 

I remember best of all 

Mother's voice when she would call, 
"My Billy boy, my darling Billy, -come to me." 



30 



WERE I A LITTLE BUTTERFLY 

Were I a little butterfly, 

I think I'd never want to cry. 

I'd live in quiet sunny spots, 

Where bloom the wild forget-me-nots, 

And blue-eyed bells and poppies, too, 

The sweetest flowers of every hue. 

The shining dew would be my drink, 

The flowers would give me food, I think, 

My clothes would be the kingly sort, 

I'd conjure up the finest sport. 

I'd live and love in sunny nooks, 

Read mother Nature's pretty books, 

I'd flit and flirt with all the flowers, 

And pass away the golden hours. 

I 'd have a sweetheart too, you bet, 
The sweetest sweetheart heard of yet. 
We'd take excursions to the hills, 
At night we'd hear the whippoorwills. 

31 



WERE I A LITTLE BUTTERFLY 

And then sometimes we 'd watch the stars ; 
And sit up nights to study Mars, 
We'd revel in a world of joys, 
My wife and I and girls and boys. 

But as I strolled this very morn, 
I saw a lifeless mangled form 
Deep in the dust. A butterfly, 
Like man or beast is born to die ! 
Henceforth, I'll try to fill my place, 
And run with man life's toilsome race. 

It will not pay 

To dream away 
The golden hours of life's short day. 
I'll love the dear Creator's plan, 
And be content to be a man! 



32 



JUNE 

Blest month of June, 

For thee there's room, 
Come, bring to us thy sweet perfume. 

Thy precious flowers, 

Sweet scented bowers, 
Are welcomed by these hearts of ours. 

The feathered throng, 

In joyful song, 
Shout out thy praise the whole day long. 

In shady dells, 

Where beauty dwells, 
Young sweethearts meet, love's dream to tell; 

And older folks, 

In double yokes, 
O'er beauties thin still love to gloat; 

And girls and boys, 

With roguish noise, 
Leave book and desk to seek thy joys. 
33 



JUNE 

From business life, 

And world's device, 
Men find thy shades and cease from strife. 

And hearts forlorn, 

Go there to mourn, 
And find a shelter from the storm. 

O month most dear 

Of all the year, 
We'll part with thee tho' with a tear. 

When life is done, 

It's battles won, 
And all our duties nobly done, 

Then heaven is ours, 

With all her flowers, 
With all her sweet sequestered bowers! 

For in that clime 

Of summer time, 
•Where joyous bells ne'er cease to chime, 

'Twill all be June, 

And bud and bloom,— 
To heaven 's bowers we '11 all go soon ! 
34 



A TRIBUTE TO THE C. E. SOCIETY 

Child of the earth, but by the angels loved, 

Endeavor! For two decades thy power, 

Born of heaven, has swayed the multitude. 

Thy mission is to lead men heavenward, 

And teach us all the high ideals of life. 

Well hast thou played thy part on earth's wide stage; 

God's children from the .coral isles afar, 

And from all lands that clasp the world around, 

March nobly on beneath thy banner true. 

Men talk of love in divers tongues and pray 

"Thy Kingdom Come." In sweet accord they sing 

Again, the angel songs of Bethlehem; 

With loud acclaim they hail the Christ, as King. 

Endeavor hosts lift high thy flag o'er earth. 
Within thy ranks are stern-faced men who lead 
The battle's front, or sit in senate halls, 
Or occupy earth's thrones, and rule the land. 

35 



A TRIBUTE TO THE C. E. SOCIETY 

Yet ruled themselves by Him who came in love, 

To show the ruled and the ruler both the way. 

In prison cell, and on the rolling sea, 

In city slum, down in the deep dark mine, 

In tents of war, in mission lands afar, 

Around the world, wherever man is found, 

Endeavor songs and praises fill the air. 

The parliaments of God's nobility 

Are teaching men the brotherhood of man. 

The little child, the youth, the gray-haired man, 
All learn of Christ within thy sacred walls, 
Of fairer days, of brighter worlds than this,— 
Resplendent home, for all the world's redeemed. 

Thou dost inspire all hearts to win great victories 
'er all the under world of sin and shame. 
Thou leadest men to Calvary's rugged heights, 
'Tis there they feel the magic of the cross, 
That changes all it touches, into gold, 
And turns the night of sin to brightest day, 
And makes a man a hero in the the earth, 
And crowns him king o'er every subtle foe. 

36 



A TRIBUTE TO THE C. E. SOCIETY 

Endeavor hosts! An army of our Lord! 

Thou makest millions of the earth obey 

Our King, the Christ, who died upon the cross, 

That all the world might live f orevermore ! 

Go, garner in the golden grain for Him, 

"Go forth, and conquer all the world for Christ," 

Lead all the world to crown Him "Lord of all," 

Our Sovereign, Ruler, "Prophet, Priest, and King. 



37 



SORROWS SWEEP MY SOUL 

Sorrows sweep my soul 
Like a winter's storm. 

Desolute seems earth, 

When one is quite forlorn. 

In a world of people, 

What a desert drear, 
Hearts as cold as Greenland, 

None to love and cheer! 

Wish my boys were playing 
'Round by chair today, 

And my wife were sitting 
By my side. say! 

Then I'd be as happy 

As a meadow lark, 
In the springtime singing 

To his best sweetheart. 



38 



EVENING PRAYER 

When the day is nearly over, 

And our daily task is done, 
Then we turn in silent wonder 

To that kind and gracious One, 
Who has loved us in all sorrow 

That we 've borne along the way ; 
He will ever cheer us onward, 

As we journey day by day. 

In the evening, at the sunset, 

Beauty speaks from every hill. 
All the earth is wrapped in beauty, 

Yet in all there's something, still, 
To the Christian seems so lonely, 

That he turns with solemn tread, 
To his secret place of worship, 

And in silence bows his head. 



EVENING PRAYER 

There the angels hover o'er him, 

There they listen to his prayer; 
And they swiftly bear his message 

To our Father over there. 
For within His own great store-house 

There are riches yet untold, 
To be had, just for the asking; 

Blessings better far than gold. 



40 



THE AMERICAN WAY. 

Mister Keoki goes riding along, 
Driving fine horses and singing a song; 
Old Rover, his dog, sits there by his side, 
Keoki and Rover are taking a ride. 

They're constant companions, this Jap and his dog, 
A part of each other like Gog and Magog. 
Old Rover is barking, and wagging his tail, 
He's proud of his master. They're out for a sail. 

And nothing but death their friendship will end, 

Keoki the man, and old Rover his friend. 

This Jap has adopted the American plan, 

And loves his dear dog more than any mere man. 



41 



TO MOTHEiR. 

mother, dear, I send to thee, 
Love's tribute send I thee; 

1 send my love on wings of flight, 
E'en angels wings of flight. 

Long years have come, and they have gone, 
Their sorrows all have gone ; 
And joys, as well, since in life's morn, 
I strayed from thee one morn. 

I early flew from the old nest 
In lands of sunny west, 
But now I wish with thee to rest, 
In that same old home nest. 

For all the world, sweet days have come, 
For me, sweet days shall come 
When I shall fly away to thee, 
And be at rest with thee. 



42 



TO MOTHER. 

Should thee I see on earth no more, 
In this old world no more, 
We'll meet at last, at home, in heaven, 
At home, with God, in heaven. 



She's waiting now, in that fair world, 
Beside the gates of pearl, 
To welcome home her wandering boy, 
To heaven's eternal joy. 



43 



HONEYSUCKLE MEMORIES. 

In a missive from my sweetheart, 
Came a honeysuckle bloom, 
Bearing with it life's aroma, 
And withal its sweet perfume. 

Sweeter tho'ts the message brought me, 
Than the words in black and white— 
'Wife and children, health and comfort, 
Safe at home, and all thing right. 

It brought memories of youth's morning, 
Magic season in one's life, 
Lake sequestered, bay unruffled, 
Halcyon days before the strife! 

It awakened tho'ts of mother, 
Tho'ts of home and other days, 
Tho'ts of sisters, brothers, playmates, 
Who have gone their separate ways. 



44 



HONEYSUCKLE MEMORIES 

Now I see the honeysuckle, 
Twining o'er that porch and door, 
And again, I smell its fragrance. 
Could I enter there once more, 

Run right in and tell my troubles, 
And my joys, like I did then, 
Would my mother, dear, embrace me, 
Kiss me once, twice, then again 1 

How I love the honeysuckle, 
Twining over gate and wall, 
Hanging 'round to make us happy, 
Shedding fragrance over all. 



45 



' 'THE WIDOW BY THE SEA " 

Some summers had passed since the wedding, 
In the newly made home by the sea, 
And Charley and I were not lonely, 
For love sent ns baby Marie. 

Sweet Willie soon came like a sunbeam, 
And no one could measure our joy ; 
We then had each other to comfort, 
Two children, a girl and a boy! 

But on a sad day the death ange], 
Came stealing his way down the sky; 
He took back the spirit of Charley, 
To the heavenly mansions on high. 

My babies were blighted by death frost, 
We laid them down close by his side, 
Sweet flowers that grew by the wide sea, 
By the beautiful, lonely seaside. 

46 



I am fighting bravely life's battles, 
And marching on thru shade and shine, 
The storms are surging around me. 
I long for a heavenly clime. 

From life, all joy is exiled. 

The prospects I loved have grown dim. 

My spirit is lovingly yearning 

To be re-united with them! 

And when I lay down life 's burden, 
Death 's night shall be brighter than day ! 
Shall I wander with them in the starlight 
Again, as of yore, far away? 

Shall we roam in the deep, shady bowers, 
Where heaven's wild flowers e'er bloom? 
Shall we live, and love, where the zephyrs 
Are laden with sweetest perfume? 

When I reach that beautiful city, 
And my darlings, God bless them all three, 
'Twill be "home, happiness, and heaven," 
As it was by deep rolling sea. 

47 



WAVIN' HANDS 

When you've climed aboard the railroad 

Skippin' out fur other parts. 
To be absent, doin' business, 

'Way from home and old sweethearts, 

There is nothin' more consolin' 

To the heart uv weary man 
Than the memory uv the "Good bys," 

Winder full uv wavin' hands. 

Ah ! should business fail er prosper 
That bright picture wont grow dim. 

Calloused hands and dimpled lingers, 
Wave, "Good by," "Come soon again." 

Train is movin' toward the old place, 
Do they long fur me to come? 

Yes ! I see the same hands wavin ', 
Wavin' papa's "welcome home." 



48 



MISSIONS. 

New tho'ts come sweeping thru the world; 

Two hundred years ago 
Our modern missions had no friends; 

Instead, relentless foes. 
Then men had never recognized 

The brotherhood of man, 
They had no love for mission work 

In any heathen land. 

We hail the day when Cary 

The mission banner raised ! 
It floats today in every breeze, 

E'en angels list to gaze 
Upon that motto which it bears, 

"This world for Christ, our King," 
And "Peace on earth good will to men," 

Let men and angels sing. 
49 



MISSIONS 

Go forth, ye men, in all the earth, 

And preach to everyone ; 
Converting and uplifting men, 

As Christ did, God's dear son, 
And whosoever is baptized, 

Believing on his name, 
He shall be saved, and not condemned, 

For Jesus said the same. 

Ah, can it be that centuries passed, 

Before poor man could read 
And understand the word of God, 

And longer still to heed ? 
But now, they read and understand, 

And some would dare obey, 
The light is shining brighter now, 

God send another ray. 

Old earth needs light to scatter gloom, 
That hangs o'er many fields; 

Go, teacher, shed that lustrous ray, 
God's light will always yield. 
50 



MISSIONS 

And if your light be dim or bright, 

Let God the giver say. 
We cannot know the good we do, 

Until the judgment day! 

Oh, homeland, must we bid farewell 

To thee, and friends we love, 
To teach the nations in the earth, 

Of Him who dwells above? 
Whoever leaves his house and lands, 

His parents, child, or friend, 
For Christ's own sake, he shall obtain, 

The life that has no end. 

Dear friends who love all humankind, 

Are these the Saviour's plans— 
That we should cross the briny waves 

To distant heathen lands 
To do God's wilH Nay, nay, e'en here 

Our fallen brothers grope, 
In dismal dungeons, black with sin, 

Without one ray of hope ! 
51 



MISSIONS 

Oh, everywhere around the earth, 

From East to distant West, 
From farthest North, to farthest South, 

Christ leaves us His request: 
' ' Go, uplift men from out the mire, 

And give to them my words ; 
I'll lead them down the aisles of time 

And to that better world." 

Poor, fallen man, arise, look up ! 

Just cast your mortal fears 
Upon the One who rules all men, 

And will thru .coming years ; 
.And when the years of toil have passed, 

May rest and peace be yours, 
Within the city of the King, 

On heaven's eternal shores! 



52 



A CALIFORNIA DESERT. 

The golden sun has climbed his golden stair. 

From vantage his, he holds our summer land 

In sweltering heat, and awful fiery glare ; 

He holds high carnival o'er these desert sands. 

The valleys, hills and plains are brown and bare, 

Where spring had decked them with unnumbered 

bloom 
That poured unstinted fragrance on the air, 
And died beneath the fiery suns of June. 
Hot whirls of air encircle eveiy hill, 
Like demon's fiery breath, from lands ablaze, 
That shrivel, wither, burn, blight, smite and kill, 
And make a boundless desert of the plain. 
Thou heated orb, our world's relentless sun, 
Look on these burning wastes. What thou hast done ! 



53 



A CALIFORNIA HOME 

Cool, irrigating streams refresh these lands, 

And give to us all Eden did enclose 

Of bud, and bloom, and fruit; for toiler's hands 

Have made these deserts blossom as the rose. 

Heliotrope, honeysuckle, rose, all vie 

With all the flowers, to please man's beauty-eye. 

These garden plants of God form coronals, 

Festoons, wreaths ; and trailing vines climb and twine 

O'er all, and hide from view man's citadel, 

In worlds of bloom and beauty all the time ! 

A twelve month every year of flowers is ours 

To pluck ripe luscious fruits and sweetest flowers; 

Here winter's drifting snow is petals sweet, 

That winds detach and blow about our feet. 



54 



HOW LONG? 

How long shall time yet be— 
And land and sea— 
And earth and sky- 
Things low and high? 

How long shall rivers flow, 
And comets glow, 
And mountains stand 
So lofty, grand? 

How long will God be still, 
While men fulfill, 
As best they can, 
His gracious plan? 

Hjow long shall flowers bloom 
Around man's tomb, 
And mock his fate 
And fallen state? 
55 



HOW LONG? 

How long, till man shall love 
His God above, 
And seek the good 
Of brotherhood ? 

How long, O Lord, how long, 
Will this vast throng, 
Move on and hope 
For thee, but grope ! 

How long shall sparkling eyes, 
As clear as skies, 
See beauties here 
Without a tear! 

How long till the voice now heard, 
Like a singing bird, 
In the gorgeous spring, 
Shall cease to sing? 

Hiow long till these foot falls, 
Within home walls, 
Shall silent be, 
Thru eternity. 

§6 



HOW LONG? 

How long, and when, and where, 
Shall men appear, 
When death shall come 
To every one? 

How long shall silence reign, 
While the long train 
Of time rolls on, 
When man is gone? 

How long,— finite tho't, 
It comes to naught, 
I'll drop my pen— 
Await the end ! 



57 



A WISCONSIN VACATION 

I'm wollerin' under big oak trees, 
Wild flowers are blooming 'round, 

The moss is soft like silken plush, 
Nature's brussels fur the ground. 

The sickle's song is in the air, 

The meadows in the bloom, 
A thousand flowers of hill and dale 

Are celebratin' June. 

The lazy clouds float o 'er by head, 
With bands of blue between; 

And shade and shine chase on and on, 
Across the fields of green. 

The alders bloom beside the brook, 
The cows are croppin' clover, 

Broad fields of corn wave in the breeze, 
The world's jes spillin' over 
58 



A WISCONSIN VACATION 

With joys I kan't quite understand, 
My life 's chuck full of pleasure ; 

My soul is happy all the day, 

I'm blest with scripture measure. 

Oh soul of mine, be allers glad, 

And don't make friends with sadness; 

While livin' here, let's smile the while, 
And make fast friends with gladness. 



59 



TRY AND TRUST 

While the days are going by, 

Tho' we sigh, 

Tho' we cry, 
We will ever trust and try, 
While the days are going by, 

Let us try. 

Tho' earth treasures fail and rust, 

We will trust, 

For we must, 
If we have a cloak and crust, 
We will ever try and trust. 

Let us trust. 



60 



DRIE' DEICHER BOYS 

Ve hot one leetle deicher boy, 

Ve haben now some more 
To dumble alls der hous geround, 

Un roll him on der floor. 

Drie deicher boys, great saurkraut, 

Er Caesar, any one, 
Vaht can der fatter, mutter, doz, 

Ven alls dem boys begun? 

A sprachen vorts mit Henglish kind, 

Un cryin' Henglish vay? 
Vould mix mein head all crazy, up, 

And turn him growin' gray, 

But ven dem boys vas vent to school, 
And learn some better fine ; 

And grow some bigger like I vas, 
(Thank Himmel they vas mein.) 
61 



DRIE DEICHER BOYS 

I'll send dem alls to college school, 

To learn dem alls so vise ; 
They'll be great men like never vas, 

And vin the would 's pig prize! 

But ven they got one better job 

And got some gold, yer see, 
Ve'll buy us alls a big fine farm, 

Vaht's in Amerikee! 

Some dime dem boys been comin' home 
Mit drie sweet deicher f rows ; 

Un den vir haben shillerns six, 
Ve '11 haben nict some rows ! 



62 



GOING AWAY- COMING HOME 

When you go away, the sun and stars shine dim. 
Vain seems the gain and hope and joy of men, 
You take my heart and leave an aching void, 
A dreamy longing for the unalloyed 
Wealth of pleasure, that makes life worth while, 
And lures us on the way another mile ; 
I 'm like an ocean bark without a sail, 
Or rudder, left to flounder in the gale. 

When you come home, the stars and suns shine out, 
This universe just seems to face about. 
God sends a thrill of joy thru earth and sky, 
The angels watch our meeting from on high; 
Eyes look deep love. Two hearts beat strong and fast. 
Two souls are wrapped in love. The parting's past. 
Two brawny arms embrace a form— a kiss- 
Two heaving breasts— a long embrace— 'tis bliss! 

63 



A MOTHER'S GRAVE 

Beyond the hills and prairies wide, 
Far, far away from this fireside, 
There's a sacred spot, a billowy plain, 
Where a dear one sleeps thru sun and rain 
Man's best friend, a mother dear— 
For you and all she wept her tears 1 
Her boys and girls have older grown, 
In distant lands they've built their homes. 
Their children play about their doors, 
Just as hers played in days of yore ; 
When her sweet voice rang out in song 
In childhood's home, the whole day long. 
No artist's hand, with subtle grace, 
Could paint that mother's dear, sweet face; 
It was aglow with hope and love, 
Like th' shining saints who live above. 
No poet's pen, with flowing rhyme, 
Could write her life. It was sublime. 

64 



A mother's grave. 

It was a life of bitter tears 

And joy withal, thru all the years. 

The sweet, wild flowers bloom o'er her grave. 

Where the long blue-stem, the breezes wave, 

And the meadow lark begins the day, 

In the gentle spring with his roundelay; 

And the neighboring town is all alive 

With thrifty trade and enterprise; 

The farmer folk 'round far and near, 

Still sow and reap year after year: 

The tho'tless world, still rushing on, 

Will follow soon where she has gone. 

For, as she came, so all must .come, 

To occupy death's silent home. 

A mother 's grave should ever be 

A sacred place, a shrine for thee. 



65 



FAMILY LUXURIES 

Kiss my babies for me, 
Kiss my babies, all three. 
For me they may kiss thee, 
And thee and they all three, 
Please kiss each other for me. 

But when you all I see, 
As we romp and play on the lea, 
I will kiss my babies all three, 
I will kiss my babies, and thee, 
You will kiss each other and me! 



THE COUNTRY SIDE-ON EARTH-IN 
HEAVEN. 

The happiest man in all creation 
Is he who has a good plantation, 
A wife, and children three or four, 
Flayin' 'round his cottage door. 

Sometimes all wander thrn the corn, 
Go bathing in the brook so warm ; 
J Tis fun to pitch the new mown hay, 
Each one sandwitchin' work and play; 
Er pole the harvest apples down ,• 
Er show grandma the farm around; 
'Tis fun to see the children grow 
And play, like we did long ago. 

When they .come chasin' home from school, 
They break and smash decorum rule, 
Each rachV on 'till you they reach 
To be the first to kiss your cheek. 

67 



THE COUNTRY SIDE — ON EARTH 

And somehow, tho' you're sore cast down, 
A smile will supercede your frown. 
When you shall see them play and romp, 
AYith childhood's glee and childhood's pomp! 
You'll catch the joy of youth's glad day, 
And let your gladness have full sway. 
Their lives are ever fresh and new, 
Just like God's world is kept for you! 

If you would be a happy man, 
Seek hrst, then follow, God's own plan; 
He made the country, man the town. 
He sent the laugh, man bro't the frown. 

The happiest man in all creation 
Is he who has a good plantation 
A wife, and children three or four, 
Playin' 'round his cottage door, 
Out in the verdant country side, 
Out there, Lord, let me abide. 
I'll see the green fields turn to gold, 
I'll watch thy plans, enfold, unfold. 

68 



THE COUNTRY SIDE— IN HEAVEN 

Iii heaven, where all men hope to be, 
The Good Book says there is no sea; 
But there's a "River," deep and wide, 
The ' ' Tree of Life ' ' grows by its side ; 
And there's a "City" of pure gold, 
Whose glory tongue has never told, 
And minaret and tower and dome, 
Shall decorate each heavenly home. 

But are there farms, and country sides, 
And country lanes and old firesides, 
And fragrant flowers, and rippling brooks. 
And shady dells, and sunny nooks, 
And butterflies and birds and bees,— 
Ripe apples hangm' on the trees, 
A mother's love, a sister's cheer, 
Just like we had while livin ' here ? 
And shall we sing, and pop the corn, 
Around the fireside, cozy, warm? 
And be as happy as we were, 
When livin' on the farm down here? 



THE COUNTRY SIDE— IN HEAVEN 

If so, when earthly scenes are o 'er, 

And I am borne to that fair shore, 

I'll want to occupy my "Place 

Prepared" by him, who saved the race; 

I'll live in heaven's country side. 

Out there, Lord, let me abide, 

Where green fields, thine, still turn to gold, 

And plans thine own, enfold, unfold. 



70 



JOHN SHANK'S NIGHTMARE 

'•' 'Tls good/' says John, "when evening .comet 
And all earth's noise and busy hums 

Are stilled in eve's repose, 
To have for tea, fat pork and beans, 
Thy 're good enough for kings and queens/ ' 

John was just then jocose. 

When Shanks retires upon the cushion, 
He lays his head in sweet delusion, 

To sleep the night away ; 
His eyelids close, his mind reposes, 
Poor, weary John, he sleeps, and snoozes, 

So speeds the hours away. 



71 



JOHN SHANKS NIGHTMARE. 

In his sound sleep, so quiet and calm, 
Appears a sign for dire alarm; 

Hark, John is dreaming now, 
He kicks and groans and tumbles 'round, 
His downy bed seems tumbling down, 

Hush Shanks is sleeping now. 

He dreams again. Great ghosts he sees-, 
They jump the mountains, swim the seas, 

The bed beneath him shakes; 
The sun looks down with awful stare, 
The big faced moon is everywhere, 

The earth, beneath him, quakes! 

Shank's funeral was grand and great, 
The people came from Church and State. 

They wrote above his head: 
"John Shanks has crossed death's deep, dark stream. 
But when he woke from his mad dream, 

He was falling out of bed ! 



72 



A PROOF 

I stood at eve beneath the clear blue sky. 

The western world was radiant with light. 

The stars came out to illuminate the night. 
I saw a crane alone, 'twas flying high. 
It flew across the western fringe of gold. 
Why? Whither? These queries it left untold. 

It hastened on in silent, rapid flight 

And pierced the thickening shadows of the night. 
So man has moved across the world's dominions. 

In awful silence, God has held aloof! 
But man weaves well his platitudes, opinions. 

Why is it all ? Whither ? Give us a proof ! 
Ah, if a bird is guided by a Power, 
That Power will guard man's pathway every hour! 



73 



THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE 

A score and fifteen years ago, my sun 

Of life began to climb its golden stair. 

Today it touches noon ! The clock strikes twelve ! 

High noon! A solemn hour in one's short life! 

Life's morningtime was full of hope and light. 

Aspiring joy crowned all. The birds sang well 

In shady dells, and there I loitered long. 

From college and the schools I sought my home 

For my vacation time. A home set in 

Among the flowers that formed a coronal. 

Great orchard trees with big arms, handed down 

Their fruits to me, kissed by a summer's sun. 

The cooling forest trees invited me; 

I sat beneath the overhanging elms 

And fished. I watched in drowsy mood the bob, 

And dreamed. I lived again the bygone days 

And looked adown the years with vision strained 

Like a mariner 's. 

74 



THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE 

The mowers sang their song, 
The waving meadow-grass was soon laid low. 
The stalwart boys helped fill the bins and mows, 
Did well their part. Then school time came again, 
The happiest time of all these morning hours. 
But change is law on earth — the law of life — 
None can foretell our fortune or our failure. 
At last two loving hearts melt into one, 
Charmed by that magic love that mates a world. 
A happy home, wife, children, all are mine, 
And so these years are gone; and now 'tis noon. 

The golden sun shall soon descend the sky, 
And set at eve. Shall Scripture years be mine, 
- 'Three score and ten?" Ah, who can tell the time 
Of my departure ! This is my earnest prayer : 
If in the afternoon the day grows dark, 
And storms arise, and cold winds blow, let 
Me, Lord, more useful be than in the morning; 
Please, let me toil till eve, dear Lord, for thee, 
And may my sun illuminate the hills 
With splendent glories of a well spent day. 

T5 



THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE 

And when my sun shall hide his face for aye, 
And darkening shadows sable all the land, 
Just let me steal away and rest with Thee ! 
A hope inspiring, and it lifts me up 
Toward heaven, the final home of man redeemed. 
It gives me courage here to dare and do , 
And wait with patience for the final hour. 



76 



MAN'S KINSHIP 

Can this be true, that man is son, 

And made the image of the One 

Who flung the earth and all these worlds 

Out into space, to flame and whirl? 

This is the gist of God's great plan: 
Th' divine and human meet in man; 
Eternity and time in him do blend: 
The Infinite is the Unite 's friend. 



77 



SHALL WE TOIL IN HEAVEN? 

When we enter the portals 

Of heaven and home, 
And victory, eternal, is won , 
Shall we stand with the throng 

That God has redeemed 
Thru' the love of our Saviour, His Son? 

Shall we toil in that world, 

Or just bask in the light, 
While ages and ages roll on? 
Shall we wander, like fairies, 

Among the bright flowers, 
In that wonderful land in the sky" 

On missions of mercy 

I trow some shall go, 
Wherever dwell suffering men; 
To win them, and guide them, 

And lead them to God, 
From the paths of temptation and sin. 
78 



SHALL WE TOIL IN HEAVEN 1 

Some shall finish their labors, 

So nobly begun ; 
When they fell in the midst of the fight; 
They will conquer at last, 

For justice will win, 
And the final great conqueror is Right. 

There is progress, I'm sure, 

On both sides of the tomb. 
Flowers bloom, on both banks of the stream. 
Love reigns in both worlds, 

And life's much the same— 
A part of the Infinite's dream. 



79 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITIN' 

"We live out in a country home, 

My Mary Ann and me, 
In a sort uv cosy cottage, 

And as happy as can be. 
We've planted crops and tended 'em, 

And worked the hull year thru, 
And tried to live like other folks, 

And be as honest, too, 

The work is hard and wearin' like, 

On me and Mary Ann. 
After some deliberatin' 

I adopted this 'ere plan : 
To jes clear out and leave the place, 

Let Providence hold sway, 
And rule the farm to suit Hisself , 

Fur we are goin' away. 

80 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITIN 

One day I came in from the field, 

The sweat a rollin' down, 
I says, says I, "My Mary Ann, 

Lets quit and go to town, 
And visit 'mong the kinfolks there, 

A month er two, er more." 
She says, says she, "That's left to you, 

You know we 're mighty poor. ' ' 

It sort 'o sot her thinkin', tho', 

And figgerin' up the price 
Uv clothes, and fare, and everything. 

She writ it out reel nice. 
Then she handed me the paper 

To investigate the same. 
And my heart began a jumpin'— 

Stirrin' up an awful pain! 

Normus sum, a Hundred Dollars 
Must be drawn before we start. 

Tho't on it set a-goin' 
Palpitation uv the heart. 
81 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITEST* 



But we 'd been a long time toilin ' 
And hoardin' up the trash, 

Till, I'll swear as sure as preaching 
I tho't too much uv cash. 

And Mary Ann wuz 'bout like me. 

She liked the Dollars, too, 
And when we spent a few of 'em 

'Twould set us feelin' blue. 
But when we tho't uv seein' sights 

And ridin' uv the cars, 
And pattern after .city folks, 

And putin' on their airs, 

I sot right down and writ the bank 

To send the money on. 
Before the neighbors had the news, 

"We'd all cleared out and gone. 
Fur Mary Ann had fussed around 

From morning, till the night, 
And fixed us out, all spick and span. 

I tell you 'twas a sight, 
82 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITIN' 

The boys all wearin' store clothes, 

Knee pants and shoes that shine, 
Blue sailors caps, and red neckties. 

(I'm glad them boys are mine!) 
My Mary Ann she ragged up, too, 

Jes like she used to be, 
When me and her, wuz coartin' 

Way back in ninety-three. 

i^nd as fur me, why, Mary said 

I looked as young and gay 
As the day the parson made us one, 

When we 'loped and run away. 
We trot in double harness now 

Along life's rugged road, 
And neither one has iver balked, 

With our discouragin' load. 

One day we climbed aboard the train, 

And went a dashin' by 
The towns and farms with fruit and flowers, 

And mountains most sky high. 
83 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITIN 

We rumbled cross broad, flowing, streams, 

Thru fields uv livin' green, 
The richest lands, and finest crops, 

That I have iver seen. 

We arrived at destination 

"All right side up with care." 

And shore as I'm a livin' 
Betsy Jane and Cy wuz there 

Awaitin' at the depot, 

To take us to their home 

In their bloomin' automobilly, 
And I wished I hadn't come. 

It went a tearin' up the street, 

And blowin' off its steam, 
And I wuz skeered! Poor Mary Ann 

I tho't she's goin' to scream. 
I promised God and all the rest, 

If I got off alive, 
I'd niver board another one, 

I'd jes hitch up and drive. 
84 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITIN' 

They pointed out, as on we flew, 

The places uv renown; 
But I niver seen a single thing 

As we passed clean thru the town. 
I felt dead sure' we'd break our necks, 

We didn't, I declare, 
And when we stopped before their door, 

I breathed a fervent prayer. 

That very day, toward evenin' time, 

We took a stroll around. 
Cy said we'd go to Warner's store, 

Fur a "bird's eye view" uv town; 
We took the elevator up, 

A room six feet by seven, 
I tho't we'd shorely niver stop 

Till it landed us in heaven. 

We reached the top, and looked around, 
On the boasted works of man ; 

Compared with God's own handiwork 
The hull blamed thing's a sham. 

85 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITIN* 



Vast piles uv brick, and old smoke stacks, 

A grass patch, now and then, 
With howlm' trains, and rumblin' streets, 

Make city life— not men. 

We elevated down, again, 

After seenin' nv the town, 
And shore as fate I tho't the trap 

Would smash right in the ground. 
My usual height is five feet, eight, 

But comin' down that thing, 
It seemer to me I stretched right out, 

Jes like a rubber string. 

We went to church as usual, 

When Sunday came around, 
Expectin' great experiences, 

And preachin' most profound. 
When the preacher riz with nowin ' robes, 

'Bout like yer mother wears, 
I felt jes like a feller does, 

A tumblin' clean down stairs. 
86 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISIT™' 

The choir went blundering thru their song, 

Repeatin' word on word, 
Till 'twas the most mixed up affair, 

That I have iver heard ! 
Oh! when I want to worship God 

I'll allers choose to go 
Where people worship from the heart, 

And 'taint all done fur show. 

AVe visited the city slums, 

The parks, the sights, the shows; 
We must have seen most iverthing, 

We seen anuff, Lord knows, 
To sot most any thinkin' man 

'Gainst all this modern craze 
Uv reformin' on religion 

And improvin' on Christ's ways! 

We've got back home, thank fortune, 

The dearest spot on earth. 
I allers hankered after it, 

But now I know its worth. 

87 



ME AND MARY ANN, VISITIN* 



Vacation, eh, is mighty fine— 

Jes seem' sights around. 
But all the gold them fellers have, 

Wouldn't make me move to town. 

1*11 iver love this dear, old place, 

It's birds, and flowers, and bees, 
Sweet roses, fields, and ripenin' fruit, 

And spreadin' forest trees. 
Out here my Mary Ann and me, 

Enjoy our happy lot, 
We'll be content to live and die 

On earth's most sacred spot. 



88 



SILENCE OF THE CANYON. 

Grand Canyon had no speech to make. 

She never said a word. 
While I viewed her matchless glory, 

I was startled by a bird. 

It came flying, tumbling thru the air, 
And stopped beside me there, 

And sung the sweetest little song. 
How I wanted you to hear. 

A little .chipmunk then rushed out 

And stood on his hind legs 
And chattered me a welcome 

To this land of towering crags. 

Then, another little songster, 

From the tip top of a pine, 
Sang as sweet as ever echoed 

In the valley of the Rhine ! 

But the Gorge was mute, but glorious, 

Magnificent, sublime ! 
Her secrets still remain her own 

And will thruout all time! 



GOOD BYE, DEVONA 

Devona, dear, has gone to rest, 

Her spirit took its flight. 
'Twas in the morning of her life, 

That morn was gay and bright. 

'Twas in a bright autumnal morn, 

It seemed two worlds had met, 
And heaven's host with joy and pride, 

Took back the little pet. 

Before she went she called us all 

About her little bed, 
And in her simple childlike trust, 

These words to us she said: 

"Good bye to all, I'm going home 

To heaven 's fairer clime, 
You'll meet me there in that bright world 

In some sweet after time. ' ' 
90 



GOOD BYE, DEVONA 

She sleeps where blooms the golden-rod, 
And falls the autumn leaf; 

Her's was a life of loveliness, 
Why was that life so brief? 

Our hearts are sore and very sad ! 

But with her childlike faith, 
In some sweet day, ' ' sweet after time, ' ' 

We'll meet at heaven's gate. 



91 



THE BULLION STATE 

The bullion state 

Is a grand old state. 

I love her trickling rills, 

Bold towering cliffs, 

Huge rocks, deep rifts, 

The blue grass covered hills ; 

Deep, shady dales, 

And flower-filled vales, 

Broad, boundless, forest green, 

Clear, bubbling springs, 

That run and sing, 

Lithe, limpid, living streams. 

Rich prairie land 
God did command 
To reach from north to south ; 
The valleys broad, 
Man would applaud, 
We seldom have a drought. 
92 



THE BULLION" STATE 

With little toil 

The fertile soil 

Most luscious fruits will yield; 

Corn, oats and wheat 

And meadows sweet, 

Great stores of wealth reveal. 

Among the hills 

Are pastures filled 

With horses, sheep and kine; 

In shady dells, 

Sweet music swells 

From hearts that never pine: 

Where'er there's room, 

Bright flowers bloom 

Along the cheery ways; 

From flowery cup, 

The bees may sup, 

Sweet nectar day by day. 

Of coal and zink, 
I really think, 

93 



THE BULLION STATE 

We'll never find their end; 
Some men have said, 
We have enough lead 
To meet all needs of men : 
We have iron ore, 
For earth, and more, 
In Ozark's rugged wilds; 
And jewels as bright 
As the stars at night, 
Earth's wealthy men beguile. 

Oh, Bullion State, 

So grand and great, 

Thy wealth's in boundless store. 

May it ever be 

That men may see 

Thy greatness more and more 

Thy lustrous name 

Shines like a flame 

On history's pages bright; 

Brave, loyal sons 

For man have won 

Their battles for the right. 
94 



THE BULLION STATE 

Away from home, 

Thy sons may roam, 

On many distant strands; 

But in their hearts, 

They'll ne'er depart 

From old Missouri lands. 

Thy sons will strive 

To make thee thrive, 

They'll love thee more and more, 

Till God's last call, 

When earth shall fall, 

And time shall be no more! 



95 



WHAT IS LIFE? 

Ah, what is life? Is it just to feel, 
To weep, to laugh, in woe or weal? 
To live 'mong men we cannot know? 
To garner in what others sow? 
To follow phantoms year by year, 
And grope our way thru hope and fear? 
To twine heart tendrils 'round our all, 
Like trailing vines on a crumbling wall ? 

Ah, what is life— an echoing wail, 
From broken hearts that always fail? 
A drifting out, with the ebb and flow, 
Like ocean tides as they come and go? 
Is it living thru our allotted days, 
And looking up thru the mist and haze? 
Is it wandering on thru storm and shine, 
Floating gently down the stream of time? 
96 



WHAT IS LIFE! 

Ah, this is life— To live and love 

And make this world like that above; 

To pluck a flower, to plant a tree ; 

To watch the stars, and the deep, blue sea; 

To make men laugh, to make them strong, 

To be heroic, and fight the wrong, 

To know this world's God's nursery— 

A training school for eternity. 



y: 



MINE LEETLE BOY 

Mine leetle boy's nict weary pig, 

He grew some vonze or twize, 
But vaht he lacks in length and breadth, 

He makes up bein' nize. 

You say dot boy wuz weary small, 

Dem on der count von size. 
Dot boy von mine wuz biggern mir, 

Vhen it comes to bein' vize. 

Mine leetle boy plays hoss mit mir, 

Un rides him on mine back. 
Ve shumps an runs the room geround, 

Dill mamma's patienz wuz racked. 

Ve den, ve dry some udder sport, 

Dill vhen hims gone to sleep; 
But soon von oud der coverlets 

Blue eyes begins to peep. 
98 



MINE LITTLE BOY 

Some day mine boy been older wuz, 
Vhen him wazs grown a man; 

Vhen he would been de president 
Un rule dis fatterland. 

Vaht ever elz wuz come on him, 
He wuz mine pride un joy, 

Un vile I lif, mine prayer vilt be, 
Gott bless mine leetle boy! 

VOFC. 



99 



A GOLDEN WEDDING 

Time speeds on wings! Just fifty years today 
Two paths converged in one and led away 
O'er rugged hills thru wonder-lands unknown, 
In search of wealth, and happiness, and home. 

In life's green spring, our buoyant plans well up 
And promise all that human hearts desire— the cup 
In prospect's full of joy. The years sweep by, 
'We look upon the same, again, and cry! 

These two dear souls that God had joined as one, 
Commenced their journey toward the setting sun. 
They crossed our world from that far eastern shore 
And built their home where western sea-waves roar. 

A God-blest home was that, and children, nine, 
Began their voyage o'er the seas of time. 
They played and prattled all, in childish glee, 
But two dear boys now sail the unknown sea. 

100 



A GOLDEN WEDDING 

Old age sits here and ponders on it all, 

.And waits with patience for the final call ; 

Tho' burden-worn with toil and many cares, 

They plodded on thru fifty rugged years ! 

And still their souls are young; for endeared love 

Of friends, neighbors, and God above, 

Made long life sweet indeed. She blest his life 

With the riches of a kind, devoted wife. 

He gave to her a love that would not die. 

'Twill blossom forth beyond the starry sky. 

Fifty years! Ah, who can tell the tale 
Of spotless purity. True hearts bewail 
The failures, faults, follies of life's short day; 
Some men would tramp again the same old way 
And rectify all wrongs. It cannot be. 
We hasten on toward vast eternity ! 

The sun is hanging low. 'Twill soon be night 
But ah, "at eventide, it shall be light." 
For all who live for God and human weal, 
The words, and life of Jesus both reveal 

101 



A GOLDEN WEDDING 

Good men shall live again, and have a home, 
"A place prepared" by Jesus for his own. 

Tho' these dear ones have toiled these many years, 
And sought an ideal home, now thru their tears, 
They see it .come to naught. They long for home 
That is ideal and real— man's greatest boon— 
A home not made with hands, on heaven's shore, 
Where men shall live, and love forevermore. 



102 



I AM THE WAY. 

To> preach the Christ, is human, 
To practice Him, divine. 

How sweet to heed His summons 
And then march on "in line ! ' ' 

Just follow Christ the Savior, 

The man of Galillee, 
The path leads thru the garden 

They called Gethsemane. 

Then up the slopes of Calvary, 
And thru the gilded tomb, 

And then it leads to Olivet, 
And to immortal bloom ! 



103 



TEE FUTURE 

As the snowflakes descend 
On the deep rolling sea, 

Even so fall the moments 
On yon and on me. 

As the snowflakes are lost 
On the ocean's rough wave, 

So our earth-life is lost 
In the dark lonely grave. 

We look at the future 

Thru great telescopes ; 
We magnify prospects 

And brighten our hopes, 
But when we approach it 

How faded it seems; 
Yet the future, again, 

With heaven's light gleams. 
104 



THE FUTURE 

Do we love most the present 
Or the future, instead! 

Do we weep for the living? 
No, we weep for the dead! 

We are proud of oar learning 
We are vain of our gold; 

Why ? 'We know not our future ; 
It has never been told! 

The years will bring sorrow 

And pleasure, and pain; 
The years will bring sunshine 

Dark days, and calm rain: 
And the "shuttle" of fortune 

With "woof" black or white 
Must pass thru the "warp" 

In the great "loom" of life. 

The "chain" and the "filling," 
Mjust be deeds nobly done 

For the sad and oppressed, 
As we journey toward home ! 
105 



THE FUTURE 

The robes that are woven, 

Are eternity's gowns; 
Are these gowns fit for heaven, 

Oh! is there a crown? 

Life's journey is short. 

Oh, why are we proud? 
A cradle— a few years— 

A winding death-fehroud ! 
Prepare for the Future, 

Why stand around? 
Work while the day lasts. 

Why encumber the ground? 

Then come to us, Future, 

We are waiting for thee. 
Please unlock thy treasures, 

We are anxious to see. 
Alas, when the Future 

Is the Present, we fear 
We'll still long for the Future, 

The Future more dear. 

106 



PEACE 

Blessed Peace! 
Thou art a queen, again, on the throne, 
Our nation 's thy realm, please make it thy home. 

Come, quiet our fears. 

We'll weep no more tears! 

The dread wrongs 
Lie buried 'neath oblivious waves, 
Contentions lie low in their unknown graves, 

May it ever be so, 

While the years come and go. 

Come, sweet Peace! 
In all the earth reign— in each heart and home, 
Th' universe thy temple and heaven thy throne. 

Thou art always man's friend. 

May thy reign never end. 



107 



LOVE AND HOPE 

Flowers in letters from thee, sweetheart, 

Woo my soul toward thine, where 'er thou art, 

They both conceal fair cupid's dart, 

From whose deep wounds I feign would smart, 

As it quivers in my aching heart; 

I send thee flowers, may they impart 

The love that loves its counterpart; 

But souls on earth must live apart, 

Each one must sail his own frail bark. 

There is a land of summer's clime, 
There all God's saints in glory shine— 
A land of love. There is no .crime,— 
There loving hearts shall never pine. 
It is God's purpose and design 
That everyone shall be resigned; 
Then I'll be yours and you'll be mine, 
My loving hopes 'round you will twine 
Thru all the eons of coming time. 
108 



A MOONLIGHT MEDITATION. 

At evening tide, from the river's side, 
I saw the moon arise, and ride 
To highest heights, and claim her right 
To rule the silent hours of night. 

I watched her gleam upon the stream, 
I loved the silent, somber scene. 
I watched her raid on midnight shade, 
Still marching on from glen to glade. 

I tho't and mused on life's rough cruise 
On unknown seas. Is life a ruse? 
I asked. And he who answers me, 
No greater man will this earth see ! 



109 



THANKSGIVIN' 

When the crops hev all been gathered, 
And the hull year's work is done, 
And the rabbit 'gins to hop about, 
Kick up his heels in fun, 
When the ice is freezin' thicker, 
And the winter winds are sighin', 
And the sleigh bells are a ginglin', 
And the yeai is 'bout a-dyin': 
Then I feel jes mighty thankful, 
Settin' in my home so warm, 
While without they's howlin' blizzards, 
Flyin' snows and whirlin' storms. 

When they's sausage in the skillet, 
Jes a-cisin' and a-fryin', 
The flapjacks are a-bakin, 
And the coffee pots a-bilin', 
When they's turkeys, fat and struttin' 
In the barnyards, hangin' 'round, 

110 



Gobblin' 'bout Thankgivin ' morning, 
When they'll all be roasted brown; 
I kin celebrate Thanksgivin' 
Ev 'ry day with peace uv mind , 
Though the winter wind is howlin', 
Thru the tall and stately pine. 

When they's popcorn in the garret, 
Fur months its been a-dryin', 
And its hoppin' poppin' music, 
Will hush a baby's cryin'; 
When they's apples in the cellar, 
Juicy, luscious, meller, fine, 
Tho'ts uv 'em make me hungry, 
Fur the stomic they s sublime ! 
My cup's jes runnin' over 
With all the joys, you know, 
And I'm thankful fur abundance 
That is mine the hull year thru. 

When they's turnups and purtaters 

With all their kith and kind, 

In the dim light uv the cellar 

Where the yaller punkins shine ! 

Ill 



THANKSGIVIN * 

When preserves and apple butter, 
Jam and jelly, here you find; 
And the kanned fruit, goodness grachus, 
Gathered in from ev'ry clime! 
When our bins are full to bustin', 
And our hay mows crammed full, too, 
I kin celebrate Thanksgivin ', 
Ev'ry day the hull year thru! 

With all these good things 'round us, 

And with winter's cold outside, 

I will take some solid comfort, 

And in ease I '11 jes abide : 

And I tell you, I'll be truthful - 

No use to be a-lyin'— 

I'm mighty glad to be in doors, 

While the winter winds are sighin'; 

I jes love the situration, 

Here with wife and babies mine, 

And in comfort, peace, and plenty, 

We will pass the winter time! 



112 



DO I LIKE WORK'? 

Do I like work? Could I choose the job 

And bring returns like Mister Schwab? 

A million a year as president 

'0 the great steel trust; and wasn't sent 

To prison cell! A million a year 

Is what I want; then I don't care 

For Ophir's gold or Croesus' wealth 

Alone. But I'd like good health. 

And I want part pay to be sweet smiles, 

Kind words and deeds, not stacks and piles 

Of lands, or gold and such like trash. 

For to deal with men, I'll try the cash 

That angels use— The coin of love— 

Made, stamped and sent from God's mints above. 



113 



" FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING." 

It seems almighty easy 

And nice and bright and breezy 
To occupy a pew, 
And hear a brilliant preacher, 
A good religious teacher, 
Just tell you what to do. 

His platitudes will pelt you, 

His eloquence will melt you, 
You drop a silent tear; 
You seek full absolution, 

And make new resolutions, 
To guide you thru the year. 

But when you meet the rabble 

In the streets, again you dabble 
In the muddy pool of sin. 
You forget your brilliant preacher, 

And your good religious teacher, 
And the Devils slyly grin. 



114 



OLD OCEAN 

I stood upon our western shore 
And heard the ocean 's billows roar, 
And saw them toss and tumble o'er 

Each other in their glee ; 
And fret and foam and froth and dash, 
Right on, and on, as if they'd smash 
The rugged rocks, and play and splash,- 

These children of the sea! 

They now advance, roll and recede, 
They fall and rise and rush with speed ; 
Like humankind, each wants to lead 

His fellows in the fray: 
They sparkle in the morning light, 
They shine like diamonds in the night, 
They gleam and glint like jewels bright, 

And hurl their silvered spray. 
115 



OLD OCEAN 

Old Ocean's cavern's depths and dells 

Hold mysteries she never tells; 

And o'er her dead, she heaves and swells, 

Thru-out unending years. 
^The ship thai: sailed came back no more, 
It foundered on some distant shore 
And human hearts now sad and sore 

Still weep life's bitter tears! 

"Just one more voyage," a husband said, 
"Another voyage," a lover plead, 
They sailed away; and for their dead 

A wife and maiden weep. 
The fleets of ships from every land, 
The nations' navies, nobly manned, 
Are strewn with crews on every strand. 

the graveyards of the dead! 



116 



STAR OF BETHLEHEM 

stars of God, shine on, shine on } 
Thru distant ages yet to dawn, 
Illuminate the land and sea, 
Shine on for God, shine on for me, 
Shine on thru all eternity. 

'But if the stars must fade and fall, 
Shall darkness then reign over all ? 
One Star, undimmed, shall still remain 
And light the upward path of men. 
guiding Star of Bethlehem! 



117 



AN ESTIMATE 

Some men love to study art, 
Some try to learn of nature, 
Some men would know the universe, 
"While some would know its maker, 
Some minds pore o'er philosophy 
And some would study nations, 
But some have time fur nuthin' else, 
But to gather in their rations. 

The limb of learnin' I would climb, 
In the great big tree of knowledge, 
Is one that teaches me of men, 
Then must I go to college ? 
no, course not, the throng the place 
To study fools and savants ; 
They pass along the streets like sheep, 
Up and down the city's pavements. 

118 



AN ESTIMATE 

0, see 'em rush, and see 'em race, 
And hear their gib and prattle, 
They're doin' bis these mortals think, 
Just rushin' on like cattle; 
They tramp upon each other's necks, 
To escape the curse ( ? ) of labor ; 
What cares this anxious crazy crowd, 
Fur Bible, God, or neighbor. 

Here's handsome women, "upper crust, 
With paint and powders glowin'; 
From little waists of fools and knaves 
The silken gowns are flowin ' : 
Here's burly men who live on graft, 
Who 're monarchs of corruption: 
Their hearts as empty as their heads, 
Their stomics full to bustin'. 

And here's the beggar, there's the dude, 
The thief is somewhere prowlin' 
And here's the street pad on his beat, 
And there's the fakir howlin': 

119 



AN ESTIMATE 

The priest and preacher may be seen, 
O no, I speck they're learnin' 
Their little piece fur Sunday next, 
While hell keeps right on bumin'! 

Saloons are licensed here for gold. 
Are men so daft, er lazy, 
They favor this and other crimes, 
Er have thy all gone crazy? 
Prom observatin', I decide 
We're a blamed, low set, we mortals, 
And few are traveling up that road, 
That leads to heaven's portals. 

Rich paupers, and poor millionaires, 
And brainless brainy, savants, 
And witless wits, and foolish wise, 
All tramp our city pavements ; 
But all who tramp the dirty streets, 
Of any earthly .city, 
Among the men who think they're "it' 
Are objects of our pity. 



120 



A RESOLUTION 

The deep mystery, 

The sad history, 
Of life is hard to solve; 

But never mind, 

Be strong, be kind, 
Make this a stern resolve. 

"Quit you like men" 

Till life shall end. 
Enrich that sacred story 

Of the strong and brave, 

Who are in the grave, 
But whose souls abide in Glory. 



121 



MY SWEETHEART'S BOQUET. 

My blessed wife, the joy of life, 

Why came here to dry a tear? 

To make the gloom flee from my room? 

To bring me cheer to my study here ? 

Ah, you've brought a flower, this morning hour, 
As fresh and new as the morning dew, 
And pla.ced it there near my study chair, 
And it fills my room with its sweet perfume. 

Though my heart was sad, you made me glad. 
And I've tho't of you, old sweetheart true, 
A hundred times, while I wrote my rhymes. 
Ah, that small boquet made a happier day! 



122 



"LET THERE BE LIGHT" 

Myriad fires are kindled in the sky. 

They flash and gleam thruout the tranquil night, 
And guide the lonely traveler aright 

Who lit those lamps and hung them there on high? 

Omnipotence built this temple high, and hung 
These chandeliers to send their somber light 
Thru all the rooms. God turns them on at night. 

A million years these lamps of God have swung 

And flashed and flamed. But still undimmed by time, 
They pour their light o'er all, as in the hour 
When God's hand placed them there by mighty 
power, 

And said, "Let there be light, for these are mine. 

Emblazon there my name thru all the years 

That men may read it there and have no fears." 



123 



LIVELY STOCK 

The crickets in the tree top 
Are settin' out there aHn', 

And singin' their religious songs 
Er du you think they're prayin'? 

The gnats air allers hungry. 

And snappin' at yer hide, 
Er eatin' up yer baby, 

That's screamin' by yer side. 

The fleas kin du some eatin', too, 

Their hoppin's worser still, 
Uv alls the beasts I iver knew 

They're the worst to ketch and kill. 

The bed-bug, lean and hungry, 
When yer tucked right snug in bed, 

Will gnaw, and chaw, and eat yer up, 
And make yer wish yer dead. 
124 



LIVELY STOCK 

The ticks will stick thru thick and thin 
Much closer than yer brother; 

And while Pat lasts, their friendship lasts, 
They'll hanker fur no uther. 

The chiggers air a pesky lot, 

The reddest little midgets; 
But big gunuff to conquer you, 

And give yer eachin' figets. 

These noisy crickets, flees and ticks, 

And gnats and lice and flies, 
Mosquitoes, chiggers and their kind, 

Will make the dead arise! 

I niver could xactly see, 
Jes why they air these bugs, 
Begorry, they hev got the gall 
To eat yer up, the thugs ! 



125 



THE OLD HOME 

My happy home! you rest beneath the summer sky, 
All clothed in living green. And sweetheart, I 
Can catch the fragrance of the summer flowers 
And scent the fresh green grass as in the hours 
(0 long remembered, dreamy, golden days.) 
AVhen we together walked these pleasant ways. 
The sun's rays slant beneath the stately trees 
On sward of green below. The gentle breeze 
Blows on, with odors from the sweet hay fields. 
A thousand memories from the long past yields 
Their all to me! Today my life is sad, 
My heart is pained! could we all be glad 
'Twould better be. Alas! dear ones have gone 
To that eternal rest— we call it home. 
Some still live here in homes moss-grown and gray 
With age, and some have wandered far away, 
A broken band is left of those we knew, 
Strange, strange is life below: who would eschew 

126 



THE OLD HOME 

To live it o'er again? Life! does it pay 

To live and suffer here day after day? 

And have our dearest treasures roughly torn 

From our embrace? 'Twere better yet unborn 

If this life compassed all! We look beyond, 

With eyes of faith, and feel there is a bond 

That binds us all to God's saved throng. 

joys immortal! It will not be long 

When friends may meet again. The saved up there 

Can love to heart's content without a tear 

To mar their joy. happy vision 

Of the joys untold of that life Elysian. 

Life is worth all it costs in tears and fears 
Tho' conflicts wage and rage a thousand years. 



127 



SONG OF FAITH 

When troubles assail me, and sorrows oppress, 
And my poor heart is sad and deep in distress ; 
I will call on the Lord to deliver and bless, 
His .comfort will sooth like a mother's caress. 

While we're on these rough shores how the wintry 

wind blows, 
Shall we ever abide in this mansion of woes? 
Our Christ will refresh like the dew on the rose ; 
And blessing's from Him like a broad river flows. 

I now ask you, Father, to help me be true, 
W'hile the years pass me by in solemn review; 
Lord, take my hand and lead me on thru 
This blest life of service. May I live it for you. 



128 



CHRISTMAS DAY 

heart of mine, 

"Tis Christmas time. 
The bells ring out their merry chime. 

And all mankind, 
In every clime, 
Rejoice again, at Christmas time. 

hallowed day, 

Our holiday, 
A man was born who dared to say; 
"I am the life, the truth, the way." 
But on that day, 
Our Savior lay, 
Upon the hay, 
(Christ's natal day) 
That first, and holiest, Christmas day! 



A CALIFORNIA NEWCOMER. 

I'm staying in California now, 

The far-famed golden state, 
Where they advertise thruout the world, 

A fortune ''while you wait," 
They boast about their fruit and flowers, 

Their fields of waving grain, 
But never say a single word 

About the need of rain ! 

Sometimes, it rains in winter time, 

Sometimes there's scarce a drop 
To be a-soaking up the earth, 

For to raise another crop. 
The dust is geting half knee deep, 

The sun is blazing hot. 
where's the shade to woller in, 

where's a grassy spot? 
130 



A CALIFORNIA NEWCOMER. 

Where are the wild flowers, fresh and new, 

Upon a thousand hills? 
Where is the meadow's morning dew? 

Where are the singing rills? 
I long to hear the chattering squirrel, 

The sweet songs of the birds, 
A thousand voices of the wood 

These deserts never heard. 

O give to me my native land, 

Where corn and cotton grow; 
Where joys untold attend my way, 

And men don't live for show: 
Ah, there beneath her stately trees, 

Beside her silver streams, 
Just let me rest in sweet content, 

And dream life 's happy dreams ! 



131 



LIFE CONTINUED 

When suns grow dim, 
And stars do fall, 

God's soverign hand 
Still rules o'er all. 

And men shall live, 
Love, and aspire 

When this old world 
Is burned with fire. 



132 



I AM TIRED 

I am tired of the world, 

Its hurry and flurry, 
I am tired of its waste, 

Its want and its worry, 
I am tired of its work, 

Its flurry and hurry, 
But I haven't grown tired of its love. 

I am tired of its toil, 

Its tears and its treasures, 
I am tired of its play, 

Its pains and its pleasures, 
I am tired of its meetings, 

Its men and its measures, 
But I haven't grown tired of its love. 

I am tired of its .calmness, 
Its crimes and its horror, 

I am tired of its shame, 

Its shadows and sorrow, 
133 



I AM TIRED 

I am tired of its trials, 

And hopes of tomorrow, 
But I haven't grown tired of its love. 

I am tired of its dogmas, 

And constant .commanding, 

I am tired of its sin, 

Its sinning and shamming, 

I am tired of its power, 

Its patience and planning, 

But I haven't grown tired of its love. 

I am tired of its bane, 

Its battles and blunders, 

I am tired of its storms, 

Its lightnings and thunders, 

I am tired of its mighty works, 
Puzzles and wonders, 

But I haven 't grown tired of its love. 



134 



A JUNE VISIT 

Blest month is here. The birds are glad and gay. 
Bright flowers spring up and shed their soft perfumes. 
The singing brooks glide down the winding vales 
Toward river 's brim, and hush at last their songs 
In ocean's roar. The stars look down at night. 
The full faced moon smiles slyly on the world. 
Each livelong day the sun ascends on high, 
And climbs adown his golden stairs at eve; 
And shadows fall around this mundane sphere, 
And ticking clocks tell tales of passing time. 

Oh, how we talked of happy days gone by, 
Of childhood's home, and those who loved us there, 
Of friends who live in many lands afar, 
Of friends who sleep beneath the summer flowers. 
We talked of hope, that ever lures man on, 
Toward distant goal. Sometimes we sailed 
On seas of doubt and wept life's bitter tears. 

135 



A JUNE VISIT 

In one brief month we lived, again, a score 

Of years, or more. Alas it sped away 

As if it flew on speed's own wings, away. 

The month is gone, this June of nineteen two, 

And now I'll fly away toward setting sun. 

Peace be with thee. May angels guard thy way. 

Heaven bless thee ! And when the world is drear, 

And desolate, and friends are very few, 

Then think of brother's love, as fresh and new 

As morning dew, when springtime brings its joys. 

Be true, my dear, and may you all be true, 

Reach up toward heaven, and grasp that guiding hand 

That rules the world and guards our destiny. 

Should fate decree our paths must separate be, 
And we should dwell full many miles apart, 
Then let us think of days gone by too soon, 
Of days to come ere long when we shall go 
Where all mankind must go— and dwell with those 
Who love us still. Good by, my dear, adieu. 



136 



DEDICATED TO KERN RIVER OIL MEN 

High derricks, hard toil, 
Great pipe lines, black oil, 
Big reservoirs, tanks, 
In front, rear and flank; 
And shanties galore, 
Roof, four walls and floor. 
With furniture scant— 
One little house plant,— 
A meager life fare, 
Are what we have here, 
Among those who toil 
And go boring for oil. 

But our boys and our girls, 
With their ringlets and curls, 
Are as good as the best 
By any fair test; 
137 



DEDICATED TO KERN RIVER OIL MEN 

Our women are as fair 
Ajs they are anywhere ; 
And an honester set 
Of men, I'll just bet, 
Can nowhere be found 
In country or town, 
Than they who here toil, 
In this dirty, black oil. 

This chap recommends 

To his millionaire friends, 

(And I'll tell you 'tis true 

That they're very few) 

If sad with remorse, 

To simply endorse 

The good honest way 

That 's in vogue here today, 

Among sturdy hands 

That execute plans 

Of the wily oil kings, 

With their big diamond rings. 



138 



DEDICATED TO KERN RIVER OIL MEN 

Better live in a shack, 
Than forever to lack 
The heaven-born love 
That comes from above; 
And have horny hands, 
And execute plans 
Of a kerosene king, 
Than to stoop to a thing 
That's low, mean and base, 
To win in the race. 

If you're honest and true 
You can forge your way thru. 



139 



AN ANGEL'S KISS 

Table's .cleared and supper's over; 
Stock's turned out in fields of clover. 
Fireflies lighting up the bushes; 
Bullfrogs croaking in the rushes ; 
Prayers are said and good byes spoken ; 
And the family circle's broken; 
Tired brows rest upon the cushion, 
Dozing, dreaming in confusion. 
Half hear angel 's feet a-tapping, 
Tripping softly on the matting 
Feel a stroke of angel-fingers 
On my hair. A sweet kiss lingers 
On my lips. heaven's enchantment! 
Love's young dream of sweet contentment! 
Bliss of heaven and I awaken ! 
Heaven of bliss! was I mistaken? 
Oh no, no, 'twas my sweetheart 's fingers 
Stroked my hair ; and her kiss still lingers 
On my lips. 'Tis my love of living- 
Mutual love, receiving, giving. 

140 



WILL YOU MISS ME1 

When the sweet perfume is wafted 
From the meadow, heath and moor, 
By the zephrs gently blowing 
Thru the open cottage door; 
When the earth is sweetly resting 
In the arms of spring's warm sun, 
Do you think that you will miss me, 
Will you miss me when I'm gone? 

When you take a morning ramble 
Where our children used to play, 
Down beside the friendly elms, 
There they loitered many a day; 
When you stroll thru field and orchard, 
Where the birds their love songs sung, 
Do you think that you will miss me, 
Will you miss me when I'm gone? 

141 



WILL YOU MISS ME? 

When you sit beside the window, 
And earth's mingled sounds you hear, 
And the tho'ts of old companions 
Bring to you a silent tear ; 
When you sit there in the gloaming, 
When your long day's work is done, 
Do you think that you will miss me. 
Will you miss me when I 'm gone ^ 

When the shades of evening gather 
'Round our home, where you and me, 
Used to occupy the arm-chair, 
Rocking, singing in our glee; 
While the stars came out to watch us, 
From that star bespangled dome : 
Do you think that you will miss me, 
Will you miss me when I'm gone'? 

When you play on the piano, 
Will you sing songs, soft and low, 
Songs that we have sung together, 
In the happy long ago? 

■ 142 



WILL YOU MISS ME? 

Let the music softly echo 
Thru the rooms of our old home. 
Do you think that you will miss me, 
Will you miss me when I'm gone 1 ? 

When you read the sacred Scripture. 
And you kneel at eve to pray, 
Thanking God for all His goodness, 
Leading you another day: 
Then the good night kiss is given, 
Ah, alas! all miss that one! 
Ah, I know that you will miss me, 
Sadly miss me when I'm gone! 



143 



GOD'S SOLDIERS 

When all my dears prepare for bed, 
Tired wife and weary boys, 

There's sure to be a storm ahead, 
And lots of roguish noise. 

When play is done in quiet rest 
They close their heavy eyes, 

While angels guard our little nest, 
God's soldiers of the skies. 



144 



THOTS OF GOD 

The stars spell out God's name 

In fire and flame. 
The mountains towering high 

Shout, "God is nigh." 
Wherever oceans roll, 

God 's name is told. 
Little flowers everywhere 

Lisp, ' ' God is here. ' ' 
The tumbling waterfall 

Obeys God's .call. 
Men cannot live apart 

From God's own heart. 
The savage in his den, 

Must worship Him, 
The cultured christian man 

Heeds God's command, 
God loves poor fallen man 

In every land. 
145 



tho'ts of god 

God always loves you, men, 

Do you love Him? 
Man will pray, evermore, 

On every shore, 
On life's great battle field, 

God is a shield. 
In all earth's broad domains 

God's mercy reigns. 
Let men and angels sing 

Of Him, our King. 
Jehovah is the name 

M!en will proclaim, 
God's way should be our way 

For life's short day, 
If I live on land or sea 

God comforts me. 
For the crown that He will give 

Let us love and live. 
Just be patient, kind and true. 

He'll lead you thru. 



146 



WE PART TO MEET AGAIN 

Last night I said ' ' Good bye. ' ' The shadows fell 

Around our home and broke the happy spell 

Of sunshine. Ah, around my heart as well, 

A shadow cast its gloom; for who can tell 

But hours may grow to months, and months to years, 

Before I see your face again ? My tears 

May fall; my heart cry out from depths unknown, 

If I, henceforth, should tread life's path alone. 

My muse is sad today ! Tomorrow, dear, 

Our paths shall cross again, let us not fear. 

Fond lover's lips shall press each other then, 

And love shall be our passion once again. 

Oh, Arbiter of man, thy vigils keep, 

If we shall roam the land, or sail the deep. 



147 



WIND, EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, VOICE 
I 

'Tis noon. Intensest heat holds sway 
And shimmers on the hills away. 
The flowers droop low in field and fell. 
No song is heard from wooded dell, 
The birds are mute within the copse ; 
Insects are hid among the rocks: 
Death stillness reigns thruout the land. 
Look, yonder! hurrying clouds, like bands 
Of soldiers, madly rushes on, 
Marshalling forces, for a storm. 
The lightnings flash, the thunders roar, 
The tempests moan, the torrents pour. 
Like a hungry beast, mad, wild for blood, 
The frenzied storm pours forth its flood. 
With awful din, the mad cyclone 
Destroys man's all, lays waste his home, 
The wand of desolation wields, 
Devours his cities, forests, fields. 

148 



WIND, EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, VOICE 

His strongest buildings quiver, crash, 
And fall, in ruins, with mighty crash. 
And man is left crushed, bleeding, dead. 
But worlds move on above his head : 
And calm, fair days will follow on. 
Poor man alone is left to morn ! 



One day our world was glad and gay, 

Sweet music floated on the air, 

Bright flowers, ripe fruit, were everywhere, 
Then dawned on man an awful day: 

A thud of power is heard below, 

And distant mutterings strike the air; 
All life is seized with dreath- white fear, 

The stolid earth sways to and fro. 

The rugged hills, and mountains quake, 
Like flowers that feel the driving rain, 
When thunders rumble o'er the plain, 

And storms disturb the placid lake. 

Earth heaves, again, with mightier power. 
It rises, shakes, rocks, reels and falls, 
Like evening's shadows on home walls. 

Each moment seems as many hours! 

149 



WIND, EARTHQUAKE, 

The earth is left scarred, crushed and torn, 
Fair cities lay prostrate and dead, 
Companion worlds move on o'er head, 

And man alone is left to mourn ! 



m 

While I mused, the fire was bright 
In the old fire place at night, 
And I lived again the scenes 
Of past days, and dreamed sweet dreams. 
Hark, the fire-alarm is given, 
Thru the streets fleet steeds are driven, 
With the ladders, hose, all means, 
To apply the quenching streams. 
But the hungry, crackling flames 
Laugh defiance at water-mains, 
Run and leap, devouring all. 
Massive buildings crash and fall, 
Desolation, wide and deep, 
Borders every alley, street. 
Then a hundred thousand souls 
Penniless must face the cold, 
Howling winds blow, rains descend. 
Mother Nature acts the fiend, 
Just when mankind needs a friend ! 

150 



WIND, EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, VOICE 

^nd poor man is left to mourn, 
Shelterless, out in the storm ! 

rv 

The elements have howled and raved, 

And ruined, and roared, and rushed, and played. 

They heartlessly have murdered men 

And taken home, and all, from them ! 

Then calm days surely followed on. 

But, why must man so sorely mourn ? 

Ah, when he weeps life's bitter tears, 

'Tis then "the still small voice," he hears. 

He knows the voice and why 'tis given. 

A soothing voice. It comes from heaven : 

The Lord shall wipe away our tears 

And comfort us, dispel our fears, 

And make us happy in our loss, 

And make us glad to bear our cross. 

He'll give us hope, and lead us on, 

Toward golden ages that shall dawn, 

When earth, and stars, shall cease to be. 

And we shall live, love and be free 

From all earth's turmoil, toil and storm, 

Ah, then ! all men will cease to mown! 



151 



TWO LOVERS 

The sun is set. Dark gray clouds streak the sky. 

Fair cities seem to nestle there on high. 

Tinkling bells are heard below. The droaning bees 

Are home again. The boughs of giant trees 

Droop low and dream. The Katydid's wild whir, 

The whippoorwill's sad word are on the air. 

The crickets chirp upon the hearth. The stars 

Shine out just like a thousand fires. 

All else is still. Then Mister Dew appears 

And takes his seat upon a leaf. He fears 

Miss Moonbeam may not .come, but prays she may. 

The last I saw of them 'twas shining day. 

Still sitting there, they were upon the grass 

And looking shy, like lovers, while I passed. 



152 



BEAUTIES OF THE GRAND CANYON 

Wonderful land of the Rockies, 
Land of the Titan and genii, 
Mute as the dawn of creation, 
Under the same high and blue sky: 
Stretching away in the distance, 
Like the dreams of a happy young heart, 
Tinted with morning's bright colors. 
picture of exquisite art! 

Grand, magnificent Canyon, 
Where flows that wild, matchless stream. 
That races its way thru the mountains, 
AY here earth in its making is seen: 
Where temple, cathedral, and castle. 
Minaret, steeple, and dome, 
Were carved by the mighty world builders, 
From mountains on mountains of stone. 

153 



BEAUTIES OF THE GRAND CANYON 

Their architecture was perfect, 
Their painters were not amateurs, 
Their beauty, men never have equalled, 
Their work, thru the ages, endures. 
Angelo, Phidias and Reubens, 
Goetha, Melanchton, and Gray, 
And thousands of men in all ages, 
Were masters of men, in their day; 

But their work will fade— it will crumble, 
And men will forget all the Past, 
But this art in the heart of the Rockies, 
Is carved from the granite that lasts. 
Milleniums may pass o'er our planet, 
Our maps and our world will be changed, 
But the Canyon, out in the wild mountains, 
Lord, let it ever remain! 

There men see the earth in its making— 
So mighty, majestic and solemn ; 
Its massive, eternal foundations- 
Facade, and turret, and column. 

154 



BEAUTIES OF THE GRAND CANYON 

Tis building thru all the long ages. 
Unfinished; completed, it seems, 
The masterpiece 'mong earth's great wonders 
Of canyon, and mountain, and stream. 

The genius of God is unfolding 
Just now as in ages agone. 
Dissolving, revolving, evolving, 
Unmaking, and making, our home. 
Shall the architrave of this planet, 
Be surpassed in the ages to come? 
This Canyon, these Mountains, this River. 
trinity of wonders in one ! 



155 



THE VETERAN CHRISTIAN 

Dedicated to Father Bristol 

(Rev. Sherlock Bristol was born in Connecticut in 1814, 
died in California, September, 1906. He was loved by all. 
Though nearly ninety-two years of age when he died, he 
was as active as ever in his Lord's service until 24 hours 
before his death. "He rests from his labors and his works 
do follow him.") 

Like Enoch of old he walked with his Lord, 

Confidingly leaned on Him, and His word, 

He, measured by men, was a prince among men. 

A plumed Knight of God ; but not without sin. 

Like men, he had faults, but his heart was bent 

To finish the work for which he was sent. 

From youth to the grave, he was found at his post, 

Like Jesus of Nazareth, saving the lost. 

He was one of the Guards that stood by his Creed, 

He went on thru life, long sowing the seed, 

And gathering the sheaves, in the Lord's harvest 

field. 

A bounteous harvest was ever the yield. 

At last he was taken, like Enoch of old, 

To abide in that Beautiful City of gold. 

156 



DEC 3 1906 






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